And So The Journey Begins...

Well, today is the day. Max (Elder Houghton) entered the MTC to begin his two-year mission. Oh, what an emotional day! It is such a hard thing to say goodbye but I can't explain how happy we all are with Max's decision to serve. He will be missed here but we know there are amazing experiences awaiting him as he serves in the California Sacramento Mission.

We started the day off with his brothers and sisters (all except Jake who couldn't make it from Colorado) gathered together for a breakfast at home.

One last picture before leaving home.

We then drove over to the Provo Temple to hang out until it was time to go to the MTC. We took some pictures with our favorite missionary...

Then it was time to go...

We said our goodbyes with some tears and big hugs...

And off he went.

Then about an hour after we got home, we received this cute picture from our friends who work at the MTC (Thank you Melanie and Gerb!) with a message that he is excited to begin! 

First picture with his badge 

We also received an email from Max around the same time:  

"Hey guys! just want to let you know that i'm doing good! i already love it so much...the minute i got all situated i felt good this. I love it already. I think I will be able to email before christmas. My P-Days are going to be on Thursdays but I won't email tomorrow. Anyways,  love you guys so much!! 

Love,

Elder Houghton"

And so the journey begins...